COVID-19
Financial support beyond super
September 15th, 2020
It can be overwhelming making financial decisions right now, especially if you’re struggling with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. But seeking help and taking action now can go a long way to getting things under control and, eventually, back on track. Check out these websites and online tools for a helping hand: MoneySmart outlines steps you can take to look after yourself and your money, including making super and investment decisions, accessing […]
Beware super cold calls
July 28th, 2020
First Super members are urged to be cautious about a new style of cold call offering help with your superannuation. If someone phones you to talk about your superannuation and they are not calling from your super fund, they may not have your best interests at heart. Our Member Services Team has received reports that […]
Temporary early release of super scheme extended
July 28th, 2020
The Australian Government has confirmed that it is extending the application period for the COVID Early Release of Super Scheme. The announcement – part of the Government’s Economic and Fiscal Update (mini-budget) released on Thursday 24 July – will extend the second stage of the scheme from 24 September 2020 to 31 December 2020. The […]
ATO warns of fines for fraudulent early access of super
July 7th, 2020
Coinciding with the start of stage two of the temporary early release of superannuation scheme, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has warned it will fine people who deliberately misuse the system to access their retirement savings early. The ATO published a new COVID-19 early release of super – integrity and compliance webpage last week. This […]
5 tips to prepare your 2019/20 tax return
July 6th, 2020
The last financial year was anything but normal and made life a little (or a lot) different for all of us. Keeping those unusual circumstances in mind is important now that it’s tax time. If the summer bushfires or coronavirus affected your pay, work circumstances or outgoings in the 2019/20 financial year, read on about […]
Mental health resources for businesses
May 22nd, 2020
Over the past few months the impact of coronavirus has created challenges that employers may never have experienced before. Depending on your business, you and your workers may now be working staggered rosters, performing modified duties on site, or working remotely. Recent surveys have revealed that isolation, changing circumstances, financial uncertainty, new rules, and alarming […]